Gasket bridge

ABSTRACT

Example aspects of a gasket bridge for an end ring assembly and a method for using an end ring assembly are disclosed. The gasket bridge can comprise an arcuate body defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a first bridge end, and a second bridge end, the arcuate body defining a bridge radius of curvature; a first ramp extending from the first bridge end; a second ramp extending from the second bridge end; and a projection extending from the inner surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of pipe couplings. Morespecifically, this disclosure relates to a gasket bridge comprising ananti-slip feature.

BACKGROUND

Common one-bolt pipe couplings can comprise an end ring and a gasketbridge. The pipe couplings can further comprise a gasket. The end ringcan define a gap between opposing ends of the end ring, and the gasketbridge can bridge the gap to prevent the gasket from extruding throughthe gap during installation of the pipe coupling. However, the gasketbridge can shift during installation, resulting in liberation of thegasket and failure to seal the pipe coupling with a pipe component (e.g.a pipe). The shifting can be caused by sharp ends of the gasket bridgeengaging the end ring as the pipe coupling is tensioned duringinstallation.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts off the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

Disclosed is a gasket bridge for an end ring assembly comprising anarcuate body defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a first bridgeend, and a second bridge end, the arcuate body defining a bridge radiusof curvature; a first ramp extending from the first bridge end; a secondramp extending from the second bridge end; and a projection extendingfrom the inner surface.

Also disclosed is an end ring assembly comprising a split ring definingan outer ring surface, an inner ring surface, a first ring end and asecond ring end, the first ring end and second ring end defining a gaptherebetween; a gasket bridge defining an outer bridge surface, an innerbridge surface, the gasket bridge further defining a first bridge end, asecond bridge end, and a middle portion therebetween, the middle portionof the gasket bridge extending between the first ring end and the secondring end, the first bridge end and second bridge end engaging the innerring surface, a first ramp extending from the first bridge end; aprimary gasket defining an primary outer sealing surface and a primaryinner sealing surface, the primary outer sealing surface engaging theinner ring surface and the inner bridge surface.

Also disclosed is a method for using an end ring assembly, the methodcomprising the steps of bridging a gap a between a first ring end and asecond ring end of a split ring with a gasket bridge, wherein the gasketbridge comprises a first ramp extending from a first bridge end and asecond ramp extending from a second bridge end; positioning a gasketassembly against an inner split ring surface of the split ring and aninner bridge surface of the gasket bridge, the gasket assembly defininga void; engaging the gasket assembly with the first ramp and second rampto prevent movement of the gasket assembly relative to the gasketbridge; receiving a pipe element within the void; and compressing thegasket assembly to seal the gasket assembly with the pipe element.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may includeadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated toemphasize the general principles of the present disclosure.Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may bedesignated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistencyand clarity.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gasket bridge engaged with an endring, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the gasket bridge of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a detailed front view of a first anti-slip feature of thegasket bridge of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a detailed front view of the first anti-slip feature,according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a detailed bottom perspective view of a second anti-slipfeature of the gasket bridge of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a detailed bottom perspective view of the second anti-slipfeature, according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the gasket bridge of FIG. 1 engaged withthe end ring of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an end ring assembly, according to anaspect of the present disclosure, comprising the gasket bridge of FIG.1, the end ring of FIG. 1, and a gasket assembly.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the gasket bridge of FIG. 1 engagedwith a primary gasket of the gasket assembly of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the primary gasket of FIG. 6Bengaged with a secondary gasket of the gasket assembly of FIG. 6A, takenalong line 6-6 in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a pipe coupling in a relaxedconfiguration comprising a pair of the end ring assemblies of FIG. 6 anda coupling body, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a top perspective view of a fastener assembly, in accordancewith an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7C is a top view of the pipe coupling of FIG. 7 in the relaxedconfiguration and engaged with a pair of pipes.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the pipe coupling of FIG. 7 in a tensionedconfiguration.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of pipe coupling of FIG. 7A and pair offasteners, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andthe previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects ofthe present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, whilestill obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. Itwill also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the presentdisclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of thepresent disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, thosewho work in the art will recognize that many modifications andadaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even bedesirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrativeof the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitationthereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more suchelements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, oneshould note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect orcombination of aspects of the disclosed methods.

Disclosed in the present application is a gasket bridge and associatedmethods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. Example aspects of thegasket bridge can comprise an anti-slip feature. It would be understoodby one of skill in the art that the disclosed gasket bridge is describedin but a few exemplary aspects among many. No particular terminology ordescription should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scopeof any claims issuing therefrom.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first aspect of a gasket bridge 100 according tothe present disclosure. As shown, the gasket bridge 100 can define anarcuate body 110. Example aspects of the arcuate body 110 can be formedfrom a metal material, such as stainless steel. In other aspects, thearcuate body 110 can be formed from another metal material, plastic, orany other suitable material known in the art. According to exampleaspects, the gasket bridge 100 can be configured to engage an end ring120. The end ring 120 can comprise a split ring 130, as shown. Exampleaspects of the split ring 130 can define a cross-sectional shape of amajor section of a circle and can partially encircle a void 160. Thesplit ring 130 can further define a first ring end 132 and a second ringend 134 spaced from the first ring end 132, such that a gap 136 isformed therebetween. Example aspects of the split ring 130 can be formedfrom a metal material, such as stainless steel; however, other aspectsof the split ring 130 can be formed from any other suitable materialknown in the art, including, but not limited to, other metals andplastic.

Example aspects of the split ring 130 can define an outer surface 138and an opposite inner surface 140, and the inner surface 140 canpartially define the void 160. Moreover, as shown, a center axis 162 canextend through a center of the void 160. The split ring 130 can furtherdefine a first axial side 142 and a second axial side 144. A ring lip146 can extend radially outward from the arcuate body 110 at the firstaxial side 142, and can define a substantially U-shaped cross-section,such that a groove 148 is defined therein. Example aspects of the ringlip 146 can extend around a circumference of the split ring 130 from thefirst ring end 132 to the second ring end 134. Furthermore, a ringshoulder 150 can extend radially inward from the arcuate body 110 at thesecond axial side 144, as shown. Example aspects of the ring shoulder150 can extend around the circumference of the split ring 130 from thefirst ring end 132 to the second ring end 134.

The arcuate body 110 of the gasket bridge 100 can define an outersurface 112 and an inner surface 412 (shown in FIG. 4A). The gasketbridge 100 can further define a pair of opposing end sections 212 (shownin FIG. 2) and a middle section 114 extending therebetween. The middlesection 114 of the gasket bridge 100 can extend between the first ringend 132 and second ring end 134 to bridge the gap 136 therebetween, asshown. Example aspects of the gasket bridge 100 can define a lengthgreater than a length of the gap 136, such that the end sections 212 ofthe gasket bridge 100 can overlap the first and second ring ends132,134. Example aspects of the gasket bridge 100 and split ring 130 candefine substantially the same radius of curvature. As such, the gasketbridge 100 and the split ring 130 together can define a substantiallycircular cross-sectional shape and can fully encircle the void 160. Theend sections 212 of the gasket bridge 100 can engage the inner surface140 of the split ring 130, as will be described in further detail belowwith reference to FIG. 5. Furthermore, in example aspects, the void 160can be configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough, as will bedescribed in further detail below.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example aspect of the gasket bridge 100, accordingto the present disclosure. The arcuate body 110 can define a firstbridge end 214 and an opposite second bridge end 216. As shown, the endsections 212 of the arcuate body 110 can be oriented proximate to thefirst bridge end 214 and second bridge end 216, respectively, with themiddle section 114 extending therebetween. The arcuate body 110 of thegasket bridge 100 can further define a first axial side 218 and anopposite second axial side 220. In example aspects, the arcuate body 110can define a cross-sectional shape of a minor section of a circle. Inother aspects, the arcuate body 110 can define a cross-sectional shapeof a major section or a half section of a circle.

A first bridge shoulder 222 can extend radially outward from the firstaxial side 218 of the gasket bridge 100. According to example aspects,the first bridge shoulder 222 can extend along the length of the gasketbridge 100 from the first bridge end 214 to the second bridge end 216.Moreover, a second bridge shoulder 224 can extend radially inward fromthe second axial side 220 of the gasket bridge 100 and can extend alongthe length of the gasket bridge 100 from the first bridge end 214 to thesecond bridge end 216. As shown, in example aspects, the second bridgeshoulder 224 can comprise one or more slots 226 formed therein. Theslots 226 can extend radially outward from a radially inward end 228 ofthe first bridge shoulder 222. The slots 226 can be configured toprevent buckling of the gasket bridge 100 during manufacturing and/orwhen the gasket bridge 100 is under tension in a tensioned configuration802 (tensioned configuration 802 shown in FIG. 8).

Example aspects of the gasket bridge 100 can further comprise a firstanti-slip feature 230 comprising a pair of ramps 231 a,b (ramp 231 bshown in FIG. 5). The ramp 231 a can extend from the first bridge end214 and the ramp 231 b can extend from the second bridge end 216.Furthermore, example aspects of the gasket bridge 100 can comprise asecond anti-slip feature 250 oriented at the middle section 114 of thearcuate body 110. The second anti-slip feature 250 can comprise aprojection 452 (shown in FIG. 4). Other example aspects of the gasketbridge 100 can comprise only one of the first and second anti-slipfeatures 230,250. The first anti-slip feature 230 is described infurther detail below with reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, and the secondanti-slip feature 250 is described in further detail below withreference to FIGS. 4A-4B.

FIG. 3 is a detailed side view of the ramp 231 a of the first anti-slipfeature 230. Example aspects of the ramp 231 b can be substantially thesame as the ramp 231 a. As illustrated, the ramp 231 a can define asmooth, curved upper surface 332 and a smooth, curved lower surface 334opposite the upper surface 332. An end wall 336 can extend between theupper surface 332 and lower surface 334 distal from the first bridge end214 of the gasket bridge 100, as shown. In example aspects, theintersection of the lower surface 334 and end wall 336 can define alower edge 338, and the intersection of the upper surface 332 and theend wall 336 can define an upper edge 340. In some example aspects, asshown, the upper edge 340 and lower edge 338 can each define a sharpedge. In other aspects, however, one or both of the upper edge 340 andlower edge 338 can define a soft edge (e.g., a curved edge).Furthermore, the ramp 231 a can curve slightly radially inward relativeto the axis 162. As such, the radius of curvature R1 of the ramp 231 acan be smaller than a radius of curvature R2 of the arcuate body 110, asillustrated.

In another aspect of the ramp 231 a, as shown in FIG. 3B, the uppersurface 332 of the ramp 231 a can taper towards the lower surface 334 ofthe ramp 231 a, such that a single edge 342 can be defined distal fromthe first bridge end 214 of the arcuate body 110. Thus, such an aspectof the ramp 231 a may not comprise the end wall 336 (shown in FIG. 3A).Example aspects of the single edge 342 can be a soft edge, as shown inFIG. 3B, or a sharp edge, as shown described with respect to FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a detailed side view of the second anti-slip feature 250. Thesecond anti-slip feature 250 can be oriented at the middle section 114of the arcuate body 110. Example aspects of the second anti-slip feature250 can define a projection 452 extending radially inward from the innersurface 412 of the arcuate body 110. In one example aspect, as shown,the projection 452 can define a pair of prongs 454. In some aspects, theprongs 454 can define a v-shaped gap therebetween. Other aspects of theprojection 452 can define fewer or additional prongs 454. The projection452 can be oriented substantially orthogonal relative to the innersurface 412 of the arcuate body 110; however, in other aspects, theprojection 452 can be oriented at an obtuse or acute angle relative tothe inner surface 412. As shown, in example aspects, the projection 452can be stamped (e.g., punched) from the arcuate body 110 of the gasketbridge 100. For example, a hole 456 can be punched in the arcuate body110, with a slug 458 formed by the punch remaining attached to thearcuate body 110. The slug 458 can be bent relative to the arcuate body110 to form the projection 452, as shown.

FIG. 4B illustrates a second aspect of the second anti-slip feature 250,according to the present disclosure. In this aspect, the projection 452can define a hemispherical bump 460 formed on the inner surface 412 ofthe arcuate body 110 and extending radially inward relative to the axis162 (shown in FIG. 1). In the current aspect, the bump 460 can be formedby indenting the outer surface 112 (shown in FIG. 1) of the arcuate body110, such that material of the arcuate body 110 is forced radiallyinward. In other aspects, the projection 452 can be formed by any othersuitable method of manufacturing known in the art, such as extruding.Furthermore, in other aspects, the projection 452 can define anothershape, such as, for example, cone, tetrahedron, triangular prism,cuboid, square pyramid, or any other suitable shape known in the art.

FIG. 5 illustrates another perspective view of the gasket bridge 100engaged with the end ring 120. The end sections 212 of the gasket bridge100 can extend beyond the first and second ring ends 132,134 and canengage the inner surface 140 of the end ring 120 proximate the first andsecond ring ends 132,134. Furthermore, the first bridge shoulder 222 ofthe gasket bridge 100 can extend radially outward into the groove 148 ofthe ring lip 146, and in example aspects, can abut an inner sidewall 549of the groove 148. Additionally, the second bridge shoulder 224 of thegasket bridge 100 can abut an inner surface 551 of the ring shoulder150, as shown.

Moreover, the ramps 231 a,b (ramp 231 a shown in FIG. 2) of the firstanti-slip feature 230 can curve radially inward, such that the end wall336 (shown in FIG. 3A) of each ramp 231 a,b can be out of contact withthe inner surface 140 of the split ring 130. Thus, in such an aspect,neither the lower edge 338 nor the upper edge 340 (upper and lower edges338,340 shown in FIG. 3A) of the ramps 231 a,b can engage and dig intothe split ring 130. Furthermore, the projection 452 (shown in FIG. 4A)of the second anti-slip feature 250 can be oriented between the firstring end 132 and second ring end 134 when the gasket bridge 100 isengaged with the end ring 120. The projection 452 can extending radiallyinward, such that the projection 452 can be out of contact with thesplit ring 130.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example aspect of an end ring assembly 600.Example aspects of the end ring assembly 600 can be coupled to a pipe730 (shown in FIG. 7C), or another piping component. As shown, the endring assembly 600 can comprise the end ring 120 and the gasket bridge100, as described above. Example aspects of the end ring assembly 600can also comprise a pair of fastener bases 610 a,b extending radiallyoutward from the end ring 120, relative to the axis 162. The fastenerbase 610 a can extend from the outer surface 138 of the split ring 130proximate the first ring end 132, and the fastener base 610 b can extendfrom the outer surface 138 of the split ring 130 proximate the secondring end 134.

The end ring assembly 600 can further comprise a gasket assembly 625.Example aspects of the gasket assembly 625 can comprise an annularprimary gasket 620. The primary gasket 620 can be received within thevoid 160 and can be configured to engage the inner surface 140 of thesplit ring 130 (inner surface 140 shown in FIG. 1) and the inner surface412 of the gasket bridge 100 (inner surface 412 shown in FIG. 4A). Someaspects of the gasket assembly 625 can further comprise a secondarygasket 630. The secondary gasket 630 can be received within the void 160and can be configured to engage the primary gasket 620, as shown.Example aspects of the secondary gasket 630 can be selectively removedfrom and added to the end ring assembly 600 for optional use, as will bedescribed in further detail below. The primary and secondary gaskets620,630 can be formed from a resilient material, such as, for example,neoprene. In other aspects, the primary and secondary gaskets 620,630can be formed from another suitable material known in art, including,but not limited to, other rubbers, sealants, glues, membranes, andresins.

Furthermore, example aspects of the end ring assembly 600 can beconfigurable in a relaxed configuration 602, as shown in FIG. 6A,wherein the primary gasket 620 and secondary gasket 630 can beuncompressed, and a tensioned configuration 802, as shown in FIG. 8,wherein the primary gasket 620 and secondary gasket 630 can becompressed. Example aspects of the split ring 130 can be formed from aresilient material, which can bias the end ring assembly 600 to therelaxed configuration 602, and which can be resiliently deformed in thetensioned configuration 802.

FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of the primary gasket 620 of thegasket assembly 625 (shown in FIG. 6A) engaged with the gasket bridge100. As shown, the primary gasket 620 can comprise an inner sealingsurface 622 and an outer sealing surface 624. The outer sealing surface624 can be configured to engage the inner surface 412 (shown in FIG. 4A)of the gasket bridge 100 and the inner surface 140 of the split ring 130(split ring 130 shown in FIG. 1). As such, the inner sealing surface 622can define the void 160 of the end ring assembly 600 (shown in FIG. 6A)in aspects where the secondary gasket 630 (shown in FIG. 6A) is removed.According to example aspects, the ramps 231 a,b (231 a shown in FIG. 2)of the first anti-slip feature 230 can be curved radially inward towardsthe outer sealing surface 624 of the primary gasket 620, such that theramps 231 a,b can contact and dig into the outer sealing surface 624 inthe tensioned configuration 802 (shown in FIG. 8) of the end ringassembly 600. Furthermore, the projection 452 (shown in FIG. 4) of thesecond anti-slip feature 250 can extend radially inward towards theouter sealing surface 624 of the primary gasket 620 and can contact anddig into the outer sealing surface 624 of the primary gasket 620 in thetensioned configuration 802. According to example aspects, the ramps 231a,b and the projection 452 may or may not dig into the outer sealingsurface 624 in the relaxed configuration 602 (shown in FIG. 6A).

Example aspects of the primary gasket 620 can further comprise one ormore annular grooves 626 formed between the outer sealing surface 624and inner sealing surface 622, as shown. In example aspects, fluidflowing through the end ring assembly 600 can be forced into the groove626 of the primary gasket 620. In aspects of the end ring assembly 600not comprising the secondary gasket 630, the inner sealing surface 622of the primary gasket 620 can engage one of the pipes 730 (shown in FIG.7C) received in the void 160. The fluid pressure of the fluid forcedinto the groove 626 can aid in forcing the outer sealing surface 624 ofthe primary gasket 620 against the inner surfaces 140,412 of the splitring 130 and gasket bridge 100, respectively, and in forcing the innersealing surface 622 of the primary gasket 620 against the pipe 730 foran improved seal.

FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-section view of the secondary gasket 630engaged with the primary gasket 620. In aspects of the end ring assembly600 comprising the secondary gasket 630, the inner sealing surface 622of the primary gasket 620 can engage an outer sealing surface 634 of thesecondary gasket 630, and an inner sealing surface 632 of the secondarygasket 630 can define the void 160 (shown in FIG. 1) and can engage oneof the pipes 730 (shown in FIG. 7C). Thus, the fluid pressure of fluidreceived in the groove 626 can force the outer sealing surface 624 ofthe primary gasket 620 against the inner surfaces 140,412 of the splitring 130 and the gasket bridge 100 (split ring 130 and gasket bridge 100shown in FIG. 1), the inner sealing surface 622 of the primary gasket620 against the outer sealing surface 634 of the secondary gasket 630,and the inner sealing surface 632 of the of the secondary gasket 630against the pipe 730 received in the void 160. Furthermore, as shown,example aspects of the inner sealing surface 622 of the primary gasket620 can define one or more annular grooves 628 configured for engagingone or more annular flanges 638 formed on the outer sealing surface 634of the secondary gasket 630 for an improved grip between the primary andsecondary gaskets 620,630.

FIGS. 7A and 7C illustrate a pipe coupling 700 in the relaxedconfiguration 602, according to an example aspect of the presentdisclosure. Example aspects of the pipe coupling 700 can be used forcoupling together a pair of the pipes 730 (shown in FIG. 7C) andallowing fluid to flow between the pipes 730, as will be described infurther detail below. As shown, the pipe coupling 700 can comprise apair of the end ring assemblies 600 a,b and a coupling body 710extending therebetween. The coupling body 710 can define a substantiallytubular structure defining a first body end 712, an opposite second bodyend 714 (shown in FIG. 7C), and a mid-section 716 therebetween. Thecoupling body 710 further can define an inner surface 718 and an outersurface 720, and the inner surface 718 can define a bore 722 extendingtherethrough from the first body end 712 to the second body end 714. Asshown, the axis 162 can extend through a center of the bore 722 and thebore 722 can be in fluid communication with the void 160 of each of theend ring assemblies 600 a,b.

A first flange 724 can extend radially outward from the first body end712 and a second flange 726 (shown in FIG. 7C) can extend radiallyoutward from the second body end 714. According to example aspects, thefirst flange 724 can be received in the groove 148 of the split ring 130a and the second flange 726 can be received in the groove 148 of thesplit ring 130 b to couple the coupling body 710 to the pair of end ringassemblies 600 a,b. Furthermore, as shown, each of the first and secondflanges 724,726 can be positioned between the corresponding first bridgeshoulder 222 and an outer sidewall 749 (shown in FIG. 7C) of the groove148.

Moreover, each of the fastener bases 610 a,b of each of the end ringassemblies 600 a,b can comprise a socket 780, as shown. Example aspectsof the sockets 780 can be configured to engage a fastener assembly 750(shown in FIG. 7B) for coupling the end ring assemblies 600 a,b togetherand for selectively tensioning and relaxing the end ring assemblies 600a,b.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example aspect of the fastener assembly 750configured for connecting the end ring assemblies 600 a,b (shown in FIG.7A) together. Some aspects of the fastener assembly 750 can besubstantially similar to the fastener assembly shown in U.S. applicationSer. No. 15/649,015, filed Jul. 13, 2017, which is hereby specificallyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Example aspects of thefastener assembly 750 can comprise a first bar 752 and a second bar 762.The first bar 752 can define a first end 754 and a second end 756.Similarly, the second bar 762 can define a first end 764 and a secondend 766. Furthermore, each of the first ends 754,764 and second ends756,766 can define a ball 758. In example aspects, as shown, the firstbar 752 and second bar 762 can be oriented substantially parallel to oneanother.

The fastener assembly 750 can further comprise a fastener 770 forcoupling the first bar 752 to the second bar 762. As shown, the fastener770 can extend between the first and second bar 762 at about a midpointof each of the first bar 752 and second bar 762. Thus, according toexample aspects, the fastener assembly 750 can substantially define anH-shape. According to example aspects, the fastener 770 can comprise abolt 772 extending between the first and second bars 752,762 and a nut774 for securing the bolt 772 to the first and second bars 752,762. Asthe nut 774 is tightened on the bolt 772, the first and second bars752,762 can be drawn closer together, and as the nut 774 is loosened onthe bolt 772, the first and second bars 752, 762 can be pushed apart.

FIG. 7C illustrates the fastener assembly 750 coupled to the pipecoupling 700. The ball 758 (shown in FIG. 7B) of the first end 754 ofthe first bar 752 can engage the socket 780 (shown in FIG. 7A) of thefastener base 610 a of the end ring assembly 600 a, and the ball 758 ofthe second end 756 can engage the socket 780 of the fastener base 610 aof the end ring assembly 600 b. The second bar 762 can engage thefastener bases 610 b of the end ring assemblies 600 a,b in the samemanner. As such, each of the first and second bars 752,762 can extendbetween each of the end ring assemblies 600 a,b, and, in exampleaspects, as shown, can be oriented substantially parallel to oneanother. As described above, as the nut 774 is tightened on the bolt772, the first and second bars 752,762 can be drawn closer together,tensioning the end rings 120 of the end ring assemblies 600 a,b, as willbe described in further detail below. In the relaxed configuration 602,as shown, the fastener 770 can be in a loosed state (e.g., the nut 774can be removed or minimally tightened on the bolt 772), such thattension in the end ring assemblies 600 a,b is absent or minimal, and thecorresponding gasket assemblies 625 can be uncompressed or minimallycompressed. In an alternative aspect of the fastener assembly 750, eachof the end ring assemblies 600 a,b can comprise a fastener 770 fordirectly coupling the corresponding fastener bases 610 a,b together,such that each of the end ring assemblies 600 a,b can be selectivelytensioned and relaxed individually.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7C, the pipe coupling 700 can be coupledto the pair of pipes 730. However, in other aspects, other pipingcomponents can be coupled to the pipe coupling 700, such as, forexample, elbows, tees, valves, caps, or any other suitable pipingcomponent known in the art. In the present aspect, a first one of thepipes 730 a can be coupled to the end ring assembly 600 a, and a secondone of the pipes 730 b can be coupled to the end ring assembly 600 b. Anend of each pipe 730 a,b can be inserted into the void 160 (shown inFIG. 6A)) of the corresponding end ring assembly 600 a,b at the secondaxial side 144 of the corresponding split ring 130. In aspects whereinone or both of the pipes 730 a,b define a small diameter, the secondarygasket 630 (shown in FIG. 6A) can be added to the corresponding end ringassembly 600 a,b to reduce the diameter of the void 160, and the innersealing surface 632 (shown in FIG. 6C) of the secondary gasket 630 canengage the corresponding pipe 730 a,b. In aspects wherein one or both ofthe pipes 730 a,b define a large diameter, the secondary gasket 630 canbe removed from the corresponding end ring assembly 600 a,b to increasethe diameter of the void 160, and the inner sealing surface 622 (shownin FIG. 6B) of the primary gasket 620 (shown in FIG. 6A) can engage thecorresponding pipe 730 a,b.

FIG. 8 illustrates the pipe coupling 700 in the tensioned configuration802. As shown, each of the split rings 130 of the end ring assemblies600 a,b can be constricted to the tensioned configuration 802 bytightening the fastener 770. Tightening the fastener 770 can draw thefirst and second bars 752,762 of the fastener assembly 750 towards oneanother, in turn drawing the first and second ring ends 132,134 of eachof the split rings 130 towards one another. Drawing the first end secondring ends 132,134 of the split rings 130 together can reduce thecorresponding gap 136 between the first and second ring ends 132,134 andcan reduce the overall diameter of each split ring 130. Constricting thesplit rings 130 in this manner can compress the corresponding primarygasket 620 (shown in FIG. 6A) (and the secondary gasket 630 (shown inFIG. 6A), if present), such that the outer sealing surface 624 (shown inFIG. 6B) of the primary gasket 620 can form a seal with the gasketbridge 100 and the end ring 120, and such that the inner sealing surface622 (shown in FIG. 6B) of the primary gasket 620 (or inner sealingsurface 632 of the secondary gasket 630, if present) can form a sealwith the corresponding pipe 730 (shown in FIG. 7C). Furthermore, as thesplit rings 130 are constricted, the ramps 231 a,b (shown in FIG. 2) andthe projection 452 (shown in FIG. 4A) of the corresponding gasket bridge100 can be pushed into the outer sealing surface 624 of the primarygasket 620. The engagement of the ramps 231 a,b and the projection 452with the primary gasket 620 can prevent the primary gasket 620 fromrotating and/or slipping relative to the end ring 120 and the gasketbridge 100.

Thus, a method for installing the end ring assembly 600 can comprisebridging the gap 136 between the first and second ring ends 132,134 ofthe split ring 130 with the gasket bridge 100, wherein the gasket bridge100 comprises the first ramp 231 a extending from the first bridge end214 and the second ramp 231 b extending from the second bridge end 216.Some aspects of the gasket bridge 100 can additionally comprise theprojection 452 extending from the middle section 114. The method canfurther comprise positioning the gasket assembly 625 against the innersurfaces 140,412 of the split ring 130 and gasket bridge 110,respectively, and engaging the gasket assembly 625 with the ramps 231a,b of the first anti-slip feature 230 and/or projection 452 of thesecond anti-slip feature 250 to prevent axial and/or rotational movementof the gasket assembly 625 relative to the gasket bridge 110. Exampleaspects of the method can also comprise engaging the coupling body 710with the ring lip 146 of the split ring 130. Some example aspects canalso comprise engaging the pipe 730 (or other piping component) with thegasket assembly 625.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example aspect of the pipe coupling 700. Asshown, a fastener, such as a bolt 910, can extend through eachcorresponding pair of fastener bases 610 a,b and sockets 780. Openings920 can be formed through each of the fastener bases 610 a,b and sockets780 through which the bolt 910 can pass. According to example aspects,each of the bolts 910 can define a dome-shaped head end 912 and athreaded tail end 914. Furthermore, example aspects can comprise a nut916 for securing the bolt 910 to the corresponding end ring assembly600. As the nut 916 is tightened on the threaded tail end 914 of thecorresponding bolt 910, the corresponding fastener bases 610 a,b can bedrawn closer together, constricting the corresponding split ring 130,and thereby compressing the corresponding gasket assembly 625 (shown inFIG. 6A).

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particularembodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which include one ormore executable instructions for implementing specific logical functionsor steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included inwhich functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the artof the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be madeto the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantiallyfrom the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, thescope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and allcombinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspectsdiscussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and allpossible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements orsteps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A gasket bridge for an end ring assembly comprising: an arcuate body defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a first bridge end, a second bridge end, a first axial side, and a second axial side, the arcuate body defining a bridge curvature, wherein the arcuate body arcs from the first bridge end to the second bridge end and defines a length from the first bridge end to the second bridge end, wherein the arcuate body defines a width from the first axial side to the second axial side, and wherein the length is greater than the width; a first ramp extending outward from the first bridge end, the first ramp defining a first ramp curvature that is smaller than the bridge curvature; a second ramp extending outward from the second bridge end, the second ramp defining a second ramp curvature that is smaller than the bridge curvature; and a projection extending from the inner surface.
 2. The gasket bridge of claim 1, wherein a first shoulder extends radially outward from the first axial side.
 3. The gasket bridge of claim 2, further comprising a second shoulder extending radially inward from the second axial side.
 4. The gasket bridge of claim 3, wherein the second shoulder defines a slot extending radially outward from a radially inward edge of the second shoulder.
 5. The gasket bridge of claim 3, wherein the first shoulder is substantially parallel to the second shoulder.
 6. The gasket bridge of claim 1, wherein the first ramp is angled radially inward from the arcuate body and the second ramp is angled radially inward from the arcuate body.
 7. The gasket bridge of claim 1, wherein the projection extends radially inward from the arcuate body.
 8. The gasket bridge of claim 7, wherein the arcuate body defines a hole and a slug, the slug bent relative to the hole to define the projection.
 9. The gasket bridge of claim 8, wherein the slug defines a V-shaped prong.
 10. The gasket bridge of claim 9, wherein the V-shaped prong is a first V-shaped prong, the slug further defining a second V-shaped prong, and wherein a V-shaped gap is defined between the first and second V-shaped prongs.
 11. The gasket bridge of claim 7, wherein the projection extends from a middle portion of the gasket bridge between the first bridge end and second bridge end.
 12. The gasket bridge of claim 7, wherein the projection defines a substantially hemispherical bump.
 13. The gasket bridge of claim 1, wherein each of the first ramp and the second ramp defines a smooth, curved upper surface, a smooth, curved lower surface, and an edge distal to the arcuate body.
 14. The gasket bridge of claim 13, wherein each of the first ramp and the second ramp further defines an end wall, the end wall meeting the lower surface to define the edge.
 15. The gasket bridge of claim 13, wherein the upper surface meets the lower surface at the edge.
 16. A gasket bridge for an end ring assembly comprising: an arcuate body defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a first bridge end, and a second bridge end, the arcuate body defining a bridge curvature, wherein the arcuate body arcs from the first bridge end to the second bridge end, the arcuate body further defining a hole and a slug; a first ramp extending outward from the first bridge end, the first ramp defining a first ramp curvature that is smaller than the bridge curvature; a second ramp extending outward from the second bridge end, the second ramp defining a second ramp curvature that is smaller than the bridge curvature; and a projection extending radially inward from the inner surface, wherein the slug is bent relative to the hole to define the projection.
 17. The gasket bridge of claim 16, wherein the slug defines a V-shaped prong.
 18. The gasket bridge of claim 17, wherein the V-shaped prong is a first V-shaped prong, the slug further defining a second V-shaped prong, and wherein a V-shaped gap is defined between the first and second V-shaped prongs.
 19. A gasket bridge for an end ring assembly comprising: an arcuate body defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a first bridge end, and a second bridge end, the arcuate body defining a bridge curvature, wherein the arcuate body arcs from the first bridge end to the second bridge end; a first ramp extending outward from the first bridge end, the first ramp defining a first ramp curvature that is smaller than the bridge curvature; a second ramp extending outward from the second bridge end, the second ramp defining a second ramp curvature that is smaller than the bridge curvature; and a projection extending radially inward from the inner surface, the projection defining a substantially hemispherical bump. 